Bob Vila Radio: Squares

When you need to create accurate angles as part of a home improvement project, there's no substitute for the trusty carpenter's square.

One tool that should definitely be in any do-it-yourselfer’s toolbox is a good carpenter’s square. A square helps you keep your corners sharp and your angles accurate. Here’s what you need to know about choosing and using squares.

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Listen to BOB VILA ON SQUARES or read the text below:

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A basic framing square is L-shaped and looks like a metal ruler bent at a 90-degree angle. That corner allows you to join and double-check pieces to be sure they are truly square. A better choice for most jobs, though, is the speed square, which is shaped like a right triangle. Its 90-degree corner lets you check for squareness, but the side opposite that right angle is marked like a protractor, with degrees that help you cut all kinds of angles, whether for mitered corners and other custom cuts.

Another advantage of the speed square is the flat edge along one side that lets you butt it up against one side of a job or position it securely along the edge of your workpiece. You can even use it as a cutting guide when you’re using a circular saw.

For more complicated jobs, you may want to consider an adjustable, T-shaped combination square. The trunk of the T can be slid along the header and tightened at any point, making it extremely useful for any number of jobs.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.